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Microprocessor Architecture

The document discusses two main microprocessor architectures: Von Neumann and Harvard. Von Neumann architecture features a single memory for both data and instructions, leading to potential bottlenecks, while Harvard architecture separates memory for data and instructions, allowing parallel access but at a higher cost. Each architecture has its advantages and disadvantages, with Von Neumann being more suitable for general-purpose computers and Harvard being used primarily in embedded systems.

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18 views14 pages

Microprocessor Architecture

The document discusses two main microprocessor architectures: Von Neumann and Harvard. Von Neumann architecture features a single memory for both data and instructions, leading to potential bottlenecks, while Harvard architecture separates memory for data and instructions, allowing parallel access but at a higher cost. Each architecture has its advantages and disadvantages, with Von Neumann being more suitable for general-purpose computers and Harvard being used primarily in embedded systems.

Uploaded by

sanjiv.regmi
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Microprocessor Architecture


• Von Neumann and Harvard Architectures
Von Neumann Architecture


Between 1945 & 1951 John von Neumann set down the
structure, layout, interaction, cooperation, realisation,
implementation, functionality and activity for the whole
computer as a system. The Von Neumann Architecture is
characterized by: -
 A memory, arithmetical-logical unit (ALU), control
unit, input and output devices,
 All parts of a computer are connected together by Bus,
 Memory and Devices are controlled by CPU.
 Data can pass through bus in half duplex mode to and
from CPU.
Von Neumann Architecture Cnt’d

 Memory holds both programs and data; this is also known
as the stored program concept.
 Memory is addressed linearly; that is, there is a single
sequential numeric address for each and every memory
location.
 Memory is addressed by the location number without
regard to the data contained within.
 Memory is split to small cells with the same size. Their
ordinal numbers are called address numbers.
Von Neumann Architecture
Cnt’d

 Program consists of a sequence of instructions.
Instructions are executed in order they are stored in
memory.
 Sequence of instructions can be changed only by
unconditional or conditional jump instructions.
 Instructions, characters, data and numbers are represented
in binary form.
Diagrammatic view of Von
Neumann Architecture

Advantages of Von
Neumann

 Control Unit gets data and instruction in the same way
from one memory. It simplifies design and development of
the Control Unit.
 Data from memory and from devices are accessed in the
same way.
 Memory organization is in the hands of programmers.
Disadvantages of Von
Neumann

 Serial instruction processing does not allow parallel
execution of program. Parallel executions are simulated
later by the Operating system.
 One bus is a bottleneck. Only one information can be
accessed at the same time.
 Instruction stored in the same memory as the data can be
accidentally rewritten by an error in a program.
Harvard Architecture

 MARK II computer was finished at Harvard University in
1947. It wasn't so modern as the computer from von
Neumann team. But it introduced a slightly different
architecture. Memory for data was separated from the
memory for instruction. This concept is known as the
Harvard architecture.
Diagrammatic view of
Harvard Architecture

Advantages of Harvard

 since it has two memories , this allows parallel access to
data and instructions.
 Development of the Control Unit is expensive and needs
more time
 Data and instructions are accessed the same way.
 Both memories can use different cell sizes.
Disadvantages of Harvard

 Free data memory cant be used for instruction and vice-
versa.
 Production of a computer with two buses is more
expensive and needs more time.
Harvard vs von Neumann

Harvard Von Neumann
 Two memories with two Buses  Content of the memory if
allow parallel access to data organised and all installed
access and instructions. memory can be used.
 Control unit for two buses is  One bus is simpler for the control
more complicated and more unit design
expensive.  Computer with one bus is cheaper.
 Program cant write itself.  Error in a program can rewrite
 Both memories can use instruction and crash program
different sizes. execution.
Harvard vs von Neumann

Harvard Von Neumann
 Development of a  Development of the Control
complicated Control Unit Unit is cheaper and faster.
needs more time.  Data and instruction is
 Free data memory can’t accessed in the same way.
be used for instruction  One Bus ( for Data,
and vice-versa. instruction and devices) is a
bottleneck.
Harvard architecture is used primary for small
embedded computers
and signal processing (DSP).


Von Neumann is better for desktop
computers, laptops, workstations and high
performance computers.

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